Satisfying Sides: What to Serve with Swiss Steak – Your Guide

Originally posted on November 18, 2023 @ 6:47 am

Swiss steak is a classic main course that is both comforting and delicious. This dish never fails to impress with its tender beef and rich gravy. But have you ever wondered what to serve with Swiss steak to make it even more satisfying? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore a variety of delectable side dishes that perfectly complement Swiss steak. Whether you’re looking for hearty accompaniments to enhance the flavors of this classic main course or seeking inspiration for a complete meal, we’ve got you covered.

Key Takeaways

• Swiss steak is a classic comfort dish that pairs well with a variety of sides.
• Classic side dishes like mashed potatoes, green beans, and corn can enhance the flavors of Swiss steak.
• Wholesome vegetable sides like roasted root vegetables and steamed broccoli offer a lighter and nutritious option.
• Rustic grains and pasta like rice pilaf, risotto, or pasta with tomato-based sauce are perfect for soaking up the delicious gravy.
• Fresh salad greens and decadent side sauces like mushroom sauce or red wine reduction can add an extra layer of freshness and indulgence to your meal.

Classic Side Dishes for Swiss Steak

Swiss steak is a hearty and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with classic side dishes. Here are some swiss steak accompaniments that you can’t go wrong with:

Side Dish	Description
Creamy Mashed Potatoes	The perfect complement to any meat dish, creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that adds richness and flavor to the meal.
Buttery Green Beans	Steamed or sautéed with garlic, buttery green beans add a touch of freshness and vibrancy to the meal.
Buttered Corn	Golden yellow buttery corn is a sweet and savory side that pairs well with the rich flavors of Swiss steak.

These swiss steak side options are tried-and-true classics that will delight your taste buds and add a touch of home-cooked comfort to any meal.

If you’re looking to spice things up a bit, try adding a dash of paprika to your mashed potatoes or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese to your green beans to take these classic side dishes to the next level.

Next up in our guide to swiss steak side dishes, we’ll explore wholesome vegetable sides that will add nutrition and flavor to your meal.

Wholesome Vegetable Sides

Swiss steak is a hearty and comforting meal that pairs well with a range of wholesome vegetable sides. Not only do these sides provide a burst of freshness and nutrition to your plate, but they also create a balance with the rich meat. Here are some of the best Swiss steak side dishes to add to your meal:

Vegetable	Preparation Method	Flavor Profile
Roasted Root Vegetables	Cut the vegetables into chunks, drizzle with olive oil and season with herbs like rosemary, thyme and garlic. Roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes.	Earthy and savory
Steamed Broccoli or Cauliflower	Steam the vegetables until tender and season with salt, pepper and a squeeze of lemon juice.	Light and refreshing
Grilled Asparagus	Trim the asparagus spears and grill for a few minutes until tender and slightly charred. Drizzle with a balsamic vinaigrette before serving.	Smoky and tangy

If you’re looking for a more vibrant presentation, you can also create a colorful veggie platter by slicing up some raw vegetables. Carrots, bell peppers, cucumbers, and radishes make great options for a crunchy and refreshing snack.

With these swiss steak meal ideas, you can create a balanced and nutritious plate that satisfies both your taste buds and your nutritional needs. Whether you prefer roasted root vegetables or steamed broccoli, these veggie sides will complement the unique flavors of Swiss steak and take your meal to the next level.

Rustic Grains and Pasta

Swiss steak is a hearty meal that pairs well with rustic grains or pasta. These accompaniments not only round out the meal, but also soak up the delicious gravy from the Swiss steak. Consider the following options:

Side Dish	Description
Buttery rice pilaf	A classic side dish that adds a buttery flavor to the meal.
Creamy risotto	A decadent side dish that is perfect for special occasions.
Flavorful pasta with a tomato-based sauce	The tangy tomato sauce complements the rich meat flavors in the Swiss steak.

Try experimenting with different grains or pasta options to find your perfect match. Just be sure to avoid overpowering the flavors of the Swiss steak with overly seasoned or heavily spiced sides.

Want to add more nutrition to your meal? Opt for whole grain or vegetable-based pasta, or try quinoa or farro as a substitute for rice.

How to Make Buttery Rice Pilaf

1. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Add 1 cup of long-grain white rice and cook, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes until the rice is lightly toasted.
3. Add 1 3/4 cups of chicken broth and a pinch of salt to the saucepan.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a lid.
5. Simmer for 18-20 minutes or until the liquid is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
6. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes.
7. Fluff the rice with a fork and serve alongside your Swiss steak.

Bread and Rolls

A basket of warm bread or rolls make a delicious and satisfying addition to any Swiss steak dinner.

You can choose from a variety of options, such as a crusty French baguette or soft dinner rolls, to complement the rich flavors of Swiss steak.

Not only does bread provide a satisfying texture, but it also allows you to enjoy every last drop of the delectable gravy.

Pros	Cons
Adds a comforting and familiar element to the meal	May be too filling or carb-heavy for some individuals
Soaks up the delicious gravy, preventing any waste	May not offer much nutritional value
Provides a satisfying texture contrast to the meat	May not be suitable for those with gluten allergies or intolerances

All in all, bread and rolls are a classic and easy addition to any Swiss steak meal.

Fresh Salad Greens

Incorporating fresh salad greens into your Swiss steak meal is a great way to add a healthy touch to your dinner.

For the base of your salad, choose crisp lettuce leaves, mixed greens, or baby spinach. These greens pair well with the rich flavors of Swiss steak, providing a refreshing contrast to the meat’s hearty taste.

Next, add an assortment of colorful vegetables to your salad, such as cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and shredded carrots. These veggies bring a range of textures and flavors to your dish and are loaded with vitamins and minerals.

Top off your salad with your favorite dressing, such as a tangy vinaigrette, a creamy ranch, or a zesty Italian dressing.

Whether you serve it as a side or make it the centerpiece of your meal, a fresh salad is an excellent addition to any Swiss steak dinner.

Decadent Side Sauces

If you want to take your Swiss steak to the next level, consider adding a decadent side sauce to your meal. A rich gravy made with beef broth, red wine, and spices can complement the savory flavors of the meat perfectly. Alternatively, a creamy mushroom sauce made with fresh mushrooms, garlic, and heavy cream can add a luxurious touch to your meal.

Whichever sauce you choose, make sure to serve it on the side, allowing your guests to add as much or as little as they prefer. It’s also a good idea to provide a gravy boat or sauce dish for easy pouring.

Red Wine Reduction

Ingredients	Instructions
1 cup red wine 1 cup beef broth 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 tablespoon cold water Salt and pepper to taste	In a small saucepan, combine red wine and beef broth. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to medium and let it simmer until the liquid has reduced by half. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and cold water until smooth. Add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan and whisk until well combined. Simmer the sauce until thickened, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Creamy Mushroom Sauce

Ingredients	Instructions
1 pound mushrooms, sliced 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 cup heavy cream 2 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon olive oil Salt and pepper to taste	In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms and minced garlic, and sauté until the mushrooms are browned and tender. Pour in heavy cream and stir until well combined. Simmer the sauce until it thickens, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Whether you prefer a red wine reduction or a creamy mushroom sauce, these decadent side options are sure to impress your guests and elevate the flavors of your Swiss steak.

Unique Twists on Swiss Steak Sides

If you’re looking to switch things up with your Swiss steak sides, why not try a unique twist on classic dishes? These unexpected pairings can add exciting bursts of flavors to your meal and impress your guests. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Toss fresh Brussels sprouts with olive oil, garlic, and bacon, and roast them until golden brown. The smoky flavor from the bacon perfectly complements the richness of the Swiss steak.
• Glazed Carrots: Give classic carrot side dishes a sweet and tangy makeover by glazing them with honey and balsamic vinegar. The bold flavors of the glaze are a great balance to the savory meat.
• Tabbouleh Salad: Add a Mediterranean-inspired twist to your Swiss steak meal by serving it with a fresh tabbouleh salad. Chopped parsley, tomatoes, and bulgur wheat add a refreshing and light touch to the meal.

Feel free to get creative with your sides and experiment with different flavors! With these unique twists, your Swiss steak meal will be anything but ordinary.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You’re now equipped with an array of delectable side dishes that perfectly complement Swiss steak. From classic accompaniments to unique twists, the possibilities are endless.

When it comes to selecting sides for your Swiss steak meal, consider pairing it with classic options like creamy mashed potatoes, buttery green beans, or steamed corn. For a lighter approach, opt for wholesome vegetable sides like roasted root vegetables or steamed broccoli.

If you’re aiming for a heartier meal, rustic grains and pasta like rice pilaf, risotto, or pasta with a tomato-based sauce are excellent choices. And, of course, don’t forget to include a basket of warm bread or rolls to soak up every last bit of the delicious gravy!

To elevate the flavors of your Swiss steak, try one of the decadent side sauces like a classic mushroom sauce or a rich red wine reduction.

Lastly, if you’re feeling adventurous, you can also experiment with unique twists like roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon or sweet glazed carrots. The possibilities are endless, and we hope this guide has sparked your creativity!

Now, all that’s left to do is gather your loved ones, select your favorite sides, and savor every bite of this comforting and delicious dish.